The 11-year-old from Coulby Newham presented Boro star Stewart Downing with a giant good luck card, signed by hundreds of fans, before the team set off for tomorrow's Carling Cup Final against bolton.

The giant card, produced by Dial-a-Phone, the UK's leading direct mobile phone specialist and Boro official sponsor, was signed by scores and scores of fans all wanting to wish Steve McClaren's team the best of luck in Cardiff.

Budding goalkeeper Steven, pictured with his dad Eric and flying winger Stewart, said: "It was fantastic to meet all the Boro players and I even got a tour around the team dressing room. I would like to wish all the players the best of luck and I will be there in Cardiff tomorrow cheering them on."

Up-and-coming youngster Downing added: "The giant card is amazing and it's great see so many good luck messages for the team.

"It means a great deal to all the players to know that the fans are really backing us and I hope that they will do us proud tomorrow and raise the roof at the Millennium stadium."

Steven won the chance to be at Hurworth and present the card as an Evening Gazette competition winner.